The Complete Guide to Specialty Contact Lenses: Types, Benefits, and Care

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all, especially for individuals with unique vision needs. Whether you're dealing with irregular corneas, dry eye, or high prescriptions, specialty contact lenses offer personalized solutions that go beyond standard options. At Hills Vision Studio, we’re proud to provide expert fitting and care for these advanced lenses.

Types of Specialty Contact Lenses

• Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger gas-permeable lenses that vault over the entire corneal surface and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera). They're ideal for patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or post-surgical corneal irregularities. The fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea provides comfort and improves vision.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Smaller than scleral lenses, RGP lenses offer excellent visual clarity by maintaining their shape on the eye. They are especially useful for correcting astigmatism and high refractive errors.

• Hybrid Lenses: Hybrid lenses combine the sharp vision of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. The center is rigid, while the outer skirt is soft, making them a good option for patients who need sharper vision but can’t tolerate RGP lenses alone.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: These specially designed gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. During the day, patients enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is commonly used for myopia control in children and teens.

• Custom Soft Lenses: For patients with high prescriptions or unusual eye shapes, custom soft lenses are tailored to provide better fit and visual performance compared to standard soft lenses.

Benefits of Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are designed to address complex vision conditions, and one of their key advantages is enhanced vision. These lenses often provide clearer and more stable visual correction compared to traditional soft lenses, particularly for individuals with irregular corneas or high prescriptions.

Comfort is another major benefit. Many specialty lenses—such as scleral and hybrid lenses—are crafted to provide a more comfortable wearing experience for patients with dry eye syndrome or corneal surface irregularities, helping reduce irritation and improve daily wearability.

For children experiencing progressive myopia, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses offer a unique solution. Worn overnight, these lenses gently reshape the cornea to correct vision during the day while also slowing the progression of nearsightedness.

Lastly, specialty lenses like scleral lenses serve a protective function. By creating a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and the cornea, they not only enhance comfort but also shield the eye’s surface, promoting healing in patients with certain ocular surface diseases.

How to Care for Specialty Contact Lenses

Proper lens care is essential to maintaining eye health and prolonging the life of your specialty lenses:

• Follow a strict cleaning routine using only the recommended solutions.

• Avoid using tap water to clean or store lenses.

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses.

• Stick to the prescribed wear schedule and never overwear lenses.

• Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor eye health and lens performance.

Our team at Hills Vision Studio will walk you through each step of care, ensuring you're confident in your lens routine.

Find the Perfect Fit at Hills Vision Studio

Specialty contact lenses can be life-changing for patients with unique vision needs, offering solutions that improve both sight and comfort. Whether you’re exploring options for keratoconus, dry eye, or myopia control, Hills Vision Studio is here to provide customized care and expert guidance.

Schedule a contact lens exam at Hills Vision Studio and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Visit our office in Bedminster, New Jersey, or call (908) 781-7707 to book an appointment today.